Information about hate crime

Hate crime is a crime that happens to you because of something like:

• your disability

• your religion or the things you believe in

• where your family come from

• your sexuality.

  This is whether you fancy mean, or women or both.

• call you nasty names and say horrible things to you

• damage your house or your things

  For example, they may break a window or steal your things.

• hit, punch or kick you

• send you nasty text messages or letters or make nasty phone calls to you.

Hate crime is against the law.

You must tell someone if hate crime is happening to you.

• the police

• a group called Stop Hate UK

  You can phone them on 0800 138 1625.

• an advocate

An advocate is someone who will help you to speak up.

• a family member

• a friend

• your social worker , key worker or carer

• a tutor at college or a teacher at school.

Try to stay calm.

Try to walk away if you can.

Try not to hit, swear, shout or fight the person. You might get into trouble or get hurt.

Every time something happens write down:

• who did it
• where it happened
• what day it happened
• what time it happened
• what they did.

Keep any nasty letters, emails or text messages.

Tell someone so you can get help to stop it.

You can speak to your doctor and tell them how you feel. They might be able to find you a counsellor.

A counsellor is someone you can talk to about the way you feel.

You can speak to the Mencap Learning Disability Helpline:

Phone: 0808 808 1111

Email using our online form